2nd Massachusetts horse found with EEE, precautions urged

Eastern equine encephalitis found in Belchertown

The state health department says Eastern equine encephalitis has been found in a second horse in Belchertown.

Officials are urging more precautions against mosquitoes in nearby Amherst.

The health department said Wednesday the threat level for the mosquito-borne virus has been raised to "high" in Amherst because the infected horse was stabled near the town border. Belchertown has already been designated at "critical" risk. Both designations mean communities are urged to cancel outdoor events during the evening when mosquitoes are most active.

The health department said it's raising the threat level to "moderate" in Hadley and South Hadley.